"Whoever will call on the name of the Lord will be saved." How then will they call on Him in whom they have not believed? How will they believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how will they hear without a preacher? (Romans 10:13, 14)

The so called "seeker", "emerging", and "emergent" churches say that they are reaching people for Christ, especially the younger people, who have "tuned-out" and are "turned-off" by traditional Bible preachers and their "negative" preaching. While claiming to be churches, these self described post-modern movements are more like slick entrepreneurial enterprises utilizing proven business, promotional and marketing techniques to try to draw large crowds.

Their strategy has been to determine what people think that they want in a church and then do everything possible to meet people's felt needs. Every aspect of their gatherings are carefully planned and orchestrated so as to attract unbelievers and they are careful to not offend anyone; for the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires, and will turn away their ears from the truth and will turn aside to myths. (2 Timothy 4:3, 4)

Their so called worship services are usually designed to be causal, attractive and non-confrontational. Their music is usually contemporary and their are an abundance of programs for every age group and interest. The danger is not the music style or the programs, it is the lack of sound biblical doctrine.

Their very professionally created websites often will include a traditional, even evangelistic and theologically acceptable Doctrinal Statement with the usual Core Beliefs and Values. However, the actual teaching in these pretend churches is, at best, doctrinally shallow and at worst, blatantly heretical. Their pulpits (they don't usually like to use that term) are filled with charismatic, persuasive men and women who are more akin to motivational speakers, entertainers and stand-up comics than Bible teachers and preachers. Their sermons (they also don't usually like to use that term either) may make mention of Scripture. But the focus is on practical, psychological, self-help techniques couched in politically and culturally relevant themes punctuated with lots of funny and emotional stories. Seldom, if ever, is their any mention of sinners, sin, coming judgment, eternal hell, the need to repent and justification by faith alone in the finished work of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Why not tell these happy and entertained crowds of unbelievers the whole gospel? Because most of the crowd would be offended and move to the new happy and exciting seeker or emerging church down the street! Preaching the true and full gospel will not often draw large crowds because the gate and road is narrow and few find it. But because "faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word ofChrist, the Apostle Paul instructed Timothy to; "Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction. (2 Timothy 4:2)

Be thankful and continue to pray for the true preachers of the word of God! Maranatha!